Why we become discouraged!
I. Inactivity or Laziness
Rom 12:9-16
There is something for everyone to do.
Don't look for someone else to start activity..
Anyone can invite someone over after church...
Anyone could provide cookies or coffee for fellowship.
Anyone could visit the hospital...
When we go around complaining about the church and its
activity we are destroying it. (Fire burnout)
II. Not putting God first
When we don't put the church and God first we get
our feelings hurt. (Embarassed)
We put what we want above what is best for the church.
We put our feelings above what is best for the church....
this was not Christ's way.
Jesus said,
"seek the kingdom of God first"
A head of pride...
1st Commandment: "Love the Lord thy God will all thy heart,
mind and soul..."
Above all else love._____________________.
III. Lack of Prayer
Had a close friend-moved away and didn't see him much...
lost communication...friendship dried up...someone once
was close to but now when not around them there is a gap...
don't know what to say.
Prayer is our communication with God. Best friend.
Jesus said,
"Come unto me all ye that labor and are heavy laden.
"peace" "rest"
Pray without ceasing
Without prayer the christian will dry up.
His faith will fail.
Let us Quence not the spirit-fire
Thess 5:11-23
IV. Looking for excuses
We use excuses as to why we are discouraged.
When there are none, it is a lack of faith.
Steven lesson
"What do we give excuses or faith."
Abraham: excuses too much __________
Saul: gave excuses for _________of God for his offering sacrifice-
Philistines
I Samuel 13:11 (Amalek-to destroy all!)
What are some of the excuses that we use?
Each of us have used our own.
Are we living by faith.. or are we putting up excuse.
Sometimes our best excuse is "I'm discouraged."
When we complain to others about our discouragement we are helping
destroy the congregation and us.
Duet 1:21-28
Let's determine to make this week end meeting every bit
as good and successfull as our last one.
And don't try to put up any excuses.
I Sam 15:22 1Sa 15:22 And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.
